Make it Universal | Composers Initiative

Universal Composers Initiative

The Universal Composers Initiative (UCI) seeks to find artists from both traditional and non-conventional professional backgrounds whose creative viewpoints translate into distinctive musical expressions. By embracing both formally trained musicians and those who have gained skills and experience through alternative paths, we can foster a more innovative and dynamic composing community. This two-year initiative delivered by Universal Talent Development & Inclusion (UTD&I), in partnership with Universal Film Music and the participation of DreamWorks Animation and TV Music, provides participants with unparalleled access to the studio process, while increasing awareness of this new generation of talent not only within NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers and directors, but also across the wider entertainment industry. Participants will be provided with creative and professional development opportunities. Participants may also have the opportunity to pitch for NBCUniversal scoring projects.

Spotlight

Universal Composers Initiative participant Sara Barone created the terrifying music for Hollywood Horror Nights ‘Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines’ at Universal Studios Orlando. An original haunted house featuring an all-female group of classic Universal Monsters.

Sara Barone

Universal Composers Initiative Participant

The Sound of Opportunity

Learn about the incredible 8-year journey that has been opening doors for composers since 2018

UNIVERSAL COMPOSERS INITIATIVE 2026-2028 PARTICIPANT APPLICATION

Eligibility

Experience on feature films is not required. Demonstration of strong musical composition ability and command of the scoring process preferred for those seeking to apply to the program.

Submissions are open to all applicants who meet the following requirements:

Applicants be a minimum of 21 years of age prior to the start of the Initiative.
Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. This opportunity is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Applicants must be the sole composer of any material submitted. Material from composing teams will not be accepted.
Applications and submitted materials must be in the English language.
Applicants who have composed two or more theatrically-released feature films in the U.S. within the past five (5) years are not eligible.

Any candidate who does not meet the criteria will be disqualified.

Submission Requirements

We encourage those applying to review the FAQs carefully, as they are designed to guide applicants towards a strong submission.

Those applying must submit a complete application package to be considered. If any elements are not included, the application will be disqualified.

The following items are required:

1. APPLICATION must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.

2. ORIGINAL MUSIC SAMPLE

A downloadable music link (via DropBox, Disco, or SoundCloud to original music - demos, mock-ups or proposals) composed by the applicant that demonstrates their style and capabilities. Make sure link is accessible without a password and is able to be downloaded.
Material should be audio-only OR clips with picture, but total running time should be no less than two (2) minutes or more than 15 minutes maximum for all material.
The original music sample can feature multiple pieces from multiple sources/projects so long as it meets the minimum and maximum running time total.
The applicant should submit separate samples as separate files as opposed to one long audio reel consisting of several pieces of music.
Reminder: The applicant must be the sole composer of all original music submitted. Submissions with multiple composers attached will be disqualified.

3. RELEASE FORMS must be completed, signed, dated and uploaded in order for submissions to be accepted. Incomplete release forms will result in disqualification

4. PERSONAL STATEMENTS

What motivated you to become a composer? What musical viewpoint do you bring that is unique to this profession? What type of projects do you like to compose and what do you hope listeners come away with after listening to your work? (300 words max)
How would you describe your music, creative process and/or creative sensibility, and what most informs your creative process? (300 words max)
What inspired you to apply to the Universal Composers Initiative? (300 words max)
What goals have you set for yourself as you pursue a career as a composer? (300 words max)

5. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE include a .PDF version of your resume with a list of music production credits and an optional short biography (500 words max). Please adhere to the guidelines and format suggestions noted below. The professional experience materials will provide us with an understanding of your work history and insight into your individual life experiences.

RESUME. Two pages or less outlining chronological employment history (may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions) and any composing related honors/awards. If listing composing projects, only include projects that were produced and/or optioned. Please include the following with each credit:
Title of project
Year of completion
Type of project (e.g. Feature Film, TV project, Short Film, Video Game, Commercial, etc.)
Director or Executive Producer of project
Distributor of project (e.g. studio, network, streaming platform, brand - if applicable)
vRole on project (e.g. composer, additional music scoring, orchestrator & conductor, recordist, etc.)

6. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (Optional) from entertainment industry professionals who have heard the applicant’s material and can comment on the applicant’s musical composition ability are strongly encouraged, but not required. Acceptable reference letters must be on business or personal letterhead, dated in the current calendar year and include the author’s title and/or industry affiliation. No more than two letters per application will be accepted. Letters must accompany the submission and may not be submitted separately via email or mail. Any recommendation letters emailed or mailed to the Program separate from the composer’s application will disqualify the application.

Submission Period

Applications will be accepted _____ through _______. Applications will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on _______.

Notification

Due to the volume of submissions received, applicants will be notified only if they move forward in the selection process. Please check our social media pages (Instagram, LinkedIn) for updates on the selection process.

Eligibility & Application FAQs

As part of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group’s (UFEG) overall commitment to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within all areas of production, the Universal Composers Initiative (UCI) is set up to find artists from traditional as well as non-conventional backgrounds who possess unique, global perspectives that they can translate into distinct musical expressions.

Participants will have unparalleled access to the studio process. The Global Talent Development & Inclusion team in partnership with Universal Film Music will increase the awareness of this talent among NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers, and directors, leading to additional industry connections and mentorship.

This is not an employment opportunity, and accordingly, composers are not financially compensated for their participation in the initiative.

During the two-year duration of the Initiative, participants should expect to attend up to 2 events per month. These events will be a combination of virtual and in-person events.

Composers selected to participate in the Initiative are free to be employed while participating in the Initiative so long as they are available to partake in the Initiative’s activity.

No. This is not an entry-level program. The Composers Initiative is not intended to teach the craft of composition to composers who have not yet launched their careers. Rather, this program is designed for film composers who have at least three years of relevant professional experience and are aspiring to take their career to the next level.

Applicants are required to submit the following:
(a) Universal Composers Initiative application
(b) Original music sample(s)
(c) Signed release form for submitted material
(d) Current resume with list of music credits
(e) Responses to Personal Statement
(f) Letter(s) of recommendation are strongly encouraged, but not required
Please review the FAQs for more information on the application requirements.

No. Only online applications submitted through the Coverfly portal will be accepted.

Applicants who are unable to process their applications online may contact Coverfly for technical support at: [email protected]

Applicants who have other question can reach out to: [email protected]

Due to the high volume of applicants, please note that a response is not guaranteed. Please make sure to read the rest of the FAQs for answers to your possible questions.
(b) Original music sample(s)
(c) Signed release form for submitted material
(d) Current resume with list of music credits
(e) Responses to Personal Statement
(f) Letter(s) of recommendation are strongly encouraged, but not required
Please review the FAQs for more information on the application requirements.

No.

The Initiative will end two years after the official start date. The Initiative typically starts in the Fall.

Up to eight composers.

During this two-year, voluntary initiative, a cohort of eight composers will have unparalleled access to the studio process, while also receiving career guidance and support through exclusive opportunities such as:

Roundtable discussions with established composers, term-deal producers, and music executives
Panels with professionals and experts from across the industry
Networking mixers with GTDI program talent and alumni
1:1 mentorship with NBCUniversal music executives
Press & Media Coaching
Field Trips/Live Events

There are no guaranteed opportunities for open assignments; however, there will be networking opportunities that may lead to assignments. If selected for an open assignment at NBC Universal, composers will receive a predetermined compensation for completed work.

The Initiative is based at Universal Studios, Universal City, CA. It is recommended that composers selected to participate reside in the Los Angeles area during the two-year initiative, but not required. If a composer is able to attend all scheduled in-person opportunities at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations, that is acceptable.

No. reside in the Los Angeles area during the two-year initiative, but not required. If a composer is able to attend all scheduled in-person opportunities at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations, that is acceptable.

No.

An on-screen message will appear verifying confirmation. You will also be sent a confirmation email from Coverfly.

No. Please check our socials (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) for periodic updates on the selection process.

(a) Applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age prior to the start of the Program which is targeted for Fall 2023.

(b) Applicants must be authorized to work legally in the United States. This opportunity is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

(c) Applicants must be the sole composer of any material submitted. Material from composing teams will not be accepted.

(d) Applications and submitted materials must be in the English language.

(e) Applicants should have at least three years of relevant professional experience.

(f) Applicants who have composed two or more theatrically released feature films in the U.S. within the past five (5) years are not eligible.

No.

Yes. But composers with two or more theatrically released and/or commercially distributed feature films in the U.S. within the past five (5) years may not apply.

No. Applicants must be the sole composer of any music submitted. Material composed by more than one composer will be disqualified.

No.

Yes. If accepted, composers will have to work with their manager or direct supervisor to request time-off approval.

No.

We recommend MP3 or MP4 file formats supported by Dropbox or Soundcloud to upload your sample. Please check the links to ensure your material will open and download before you include it in your submission.

Material should be no less than two minutes and no more than 15 minutes total.
Please note: Any material that does not meet this specification will be disqualified.

Yes, the link to your material can feature multiple pieces from multiple sources/projects so long as it meets the minimum and maximum running time total. If you have more than one sample, we strongly suggest you submit the separate samples as separate files instead of one long sample consisting of several pieces of music.

No. The applicant must be the sole author of any original material submitted with the application.

Yes.

Applicants retain ownership of all original material submitted.

Yes. However, new material provides an opportunity to demonstrate a composer’s progress.

Each original music sample should be uploaded as a MP3 or MP4 link to DropBox or SoundCloud onto the Coverfly application submission site with the filename titled as follows:

Example candidate name is Jane Doe.

Original Music Sample Number – Initials of First and Last Name (ex. Sample 1 – JD)

Please note material should be accessible without a password.

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group executives and professional evaluators.

No. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to provide feedback.

Yes.

The Legal Release Agreement form can be downloaded from the Coverfly website once the application has been started. The link to the Release Form can be found on the first page of the Coverfly application.

The completed and signed agreement should be scanned and uploaded as a PDF onto the Coverfly application submission site with the filename titled as follows:

Release - First Name Last Name. (ex. Release – Jane Doe)

No. The release form must be hand-signed. Applicants who fail to upload a completed and hand-signed agreement will be disqualified.

File size can impact the uploading process. Please check that the PDF file is no larger than 2MB, otherwise the file may need to be compressed.

Yes. All applicants must submit a chronological employment resumé, which may include entertainment and non-entertainment positions.

Your resumé will provide an understanding of your work history and insight into your individual life experience.

The resumé should be no longer than two (2) pages.

Release - First Name Last Name. (ex. Release – Jane Doe)

No. Credits or completed compositions should be listed in a separate document with a short bio (not to exceed 500 words).

Credits should be listed in chronological order starting with the most recent project. Each credit should include title of project, type of project (Feature Film, TV project, Short Film, Video Game, Commercial, etc.), director or executive producer of project, distributor, or commissioner of project (studio, network, streaming platform, brand - if applicable, etc.), and role on project (composer, additional music scoring, orchestrator & conductor, recordist, etc.).

The completed list of credits or completed compositions and short bio should be uploaded as a PDF onto the Coverfly application submission site with the filename titled as follows:
Credit List - First Name Last Name. (ex. Credit List – Jane Doe)

No.

The resumé should be uploaded as a .PDF on the Coverfly application website and the filename should be titled as follows:

Resume – First Name Last Name. (ex. Resume – Jane Doe)

An applicant’s responses provide insight on the composer’s personal and professional goals and unique perspectives.

The responses should convey the composer’s unique point-of-view, background experience, musical style, and sensibility, as well as immediate and future goals.

Responses should be submitted through the text entry box on the Coverfly application website.

No. Letters of recommendation from entertainment industry professionals are strongly encouraged, but not required.

Letters of recommendation must be on business or personal letterhead and dated in the CURRENT CALENDAR YEAR. It is recommended that those signing recommendation letters include either a title and/or a brief introduction indicating their position in the entertainment industry.

A maximum of two (2) letters of recommendation may accompany each submission.

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In addition, applicants must fill out the below waiver and include it on the application